LO Research Associate Exits Ops without Business School

Hey AM,

Fresh college graduate here, starting my first job as a macro research associate for a reputable LO (>$1 tn AUM). Wanted to ask what industry exit opportunities would be possible for me after 3-4 years here if I don't intend on getting an MBA? All the analysts on my team are econ PhDs except for one former RA with a top MBA. Is it possible to continue progressing on the buyside by lateral-ing to another macro LO or hedge fund team as an analyst without an MBA? If not, I'll probably just bite the bullet and start prepping for econ PhD apps.

Thanks.

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Sounds like templeton’s macro fund congrats on the role. A team like global macro, esp at templeton you’re right - if everyone around has phds, you best get one too bc that’s the team culture and if you’d like to remain on the team (they likely have tuition reimbursement or some sort of educational help). It’s a matter of what that team prefers and likes in terms of their human capital qualifications. It’s also a matter of if you want to progress within your direct team and “climb the ranks”. To my knowledge(I could be wrong so please correct me if I am), you don’t necessarily need phds or even mbas to be a successful macro investor or lateral over to a different macro shop and eventually manage your own book. Shops like Tudor, who are known for macro investing, if you look on linkedin I’m sure you’ll find tons of analysts/pms who do not have mbas or phds. At the end of the day, it’s really up to you. Also, in the case of templeton macro (which i believe is your team), they may gradually push out the ones that do not have phds as a measure of keeping their pedigrees to then either welcome them back when they get their higher degree or direct them to a different fund.

 

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